For anyone desiring to begin planting a garden for the first time, there are a few pieces of equipment that are key. And it's not all shovels and spades. Self-preservation is as essential as soil protection, according to Frank Johnson, greenhouse manager at The Barn Nursery. He said good gardening gloves and shoes are the place to start.
Equipment will vary, based on individual gardening needs, but Johnson offered five basics to get a home garden started.
1. Gloves: A good pair of gardening gloves is essential, Johnson said. "Gardening can be kind of unforgiving to your hands." He cited thorny bushes and hand tools, which can take their toll on skin.
2. Shoes: Proper waterproof gardening clogs or boots are key. Look for shoes that can be cleaned easily. For planting heavy shrubs or bushes, look for boots that will protect your feet from injury.
3. Shovel: The size depends upon what the needs of the gardener are, Johnson said. He prefers a long metal blade and a wooden handle. "A sturdy shovel is always important," he said. The hard clay in this area can make tilling difficult, so a good strong shovel is essential.
4. No-kink water hose: Once the dirt is prepared and the seeds planted, the garden needs to be watered, and that means making sure the plants don't go thirsty. "If you're looking to [garden] at home, you've got to get water to your plants," Johnson said. A nozzle is necessary too. Johnson recommends the brand Dramm.
5. A small hand tool: Johnson said his preferred hand tool is a small mattock made for digging small holes or breaking up hard ground. It is double-headed: One side is hoe-like, the other more akin to a three-pronged rake. "You can scratch to do weeding, or it's good to score the roots of a new plant."